Saturday, February 03, 2007

Artists Day Out

Laura (http://laurelines.typepad.com/) and I finally found a day to get together and do our own mini-sketchcrawl! Ever since we met last spring at the JC Raulston Arboretum for our first sketch date, we have been trying to match our schedules to have another day together. Yesterday -- we finally did it!!!! And oh my -- it was GLORIOUS! and what a gift, not just the day itself, but getting to know better, this most gracious, talented, knowledgeable, generous and kind, sweetest of ladies.

I met Laura at her beautiful home, and together we went to the www.unc.edu/depts/ackland)! Trust me, these are even more grandglorious in person!

I wasn't having the best of sketch days, but I focused on some tea bowls (I'm finding I really do love vessels of all kinds), and then, under Laura's inspiration, decided to attempt my second ever figure (my first is here). And while I have MUCH to learn in regard to figures (among MANY other things I'm learning and relearning! LOL), I sort of like this in its wonkiness.

I have to tell you a funny story. As I was standing before this boxed figure, the security guard, thick with what appeared to be a French accent, walked behind me and sort of surreptitiously took note of what I was sketching. Embarrassed at my ineptitude, I joked "It's good practice." Where upon he so nicely says to me, "A camera -- much easier!" I laughed, and he finished, "Same price!" (alluding to admission fee) and I thought I'd lose it!!! LOLOL

Anyway, Laura and I, hungry by then, proceeded to Panzanella's for a fabulous soup and sandwich lunch. Laura sketched the the fellow sitting at the window, and I attemped figures trying my best for proportions ... ah well, more practice time for me!! LOL

Then, my dear friend, encouraging me to sketch LARGER!!!! demonstrated her point by sketching ME -- in under eight minutes -- I swear ...! And yes, it looks like me ... although she was kind to keep the shopping bags OFF my eye bottoms!! (Thank you Laura for this gift -- and for allowing me to share it here!) Isn't it fantastic!!

Buoyed by food and non-stop sharing, art discussions, techniques, family matters, and even a spattering of politics, we headed out for dessert and gelato ... and then it was time to head home before the traffic built to a slow, longer than necessary drive back home.

THANK YOU, Laura -- for a fantastic, fun, inspiring day! My only wish is that these 'art-dates' weren't so far between one and another ....!

Oh how fun!! You SO deserved this art date!!! I may be a little green with envy, but am so happy you had such a wonderful day with such a wonderful artist/friend!!! Your sketches are delightful, I'm so glad you posted them.

Please list me among the jealous, Lin. Sounds like a blissful day. I'd say it won't be long before you can compare today's people sketches with tomorrow's peoples sketches and see the same amazing progress you did with your bananas. That is also a lovely post earlier on about the encouragement you have received and now can pass on.